For the Undergraduate Summer Library Research Fellowship, I conducted condition surveys, a codicological inventory and preservation needs assessment of 48 pre-modern codices and 98 incunabula in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library (RBML) of the OSU Libraries. In my proposal I planned to assess all physical features, general condition and the preservation needs of each item under the supervision and guidance of OSU Libraries’ Book and Paper Conservator, Harry Campbell and the OSUL RBML Curator, Eric Johnson (my supervisors). I researched the fundamentals of building and operating a condition survey by reaching out to those who have had years of experience in conservation. I quickly became accustomed with the subject matter and created a reference document of descriptive elements that guided me through each evaluation which I adapted into my condition survey design. Upon the completion of the condition surveys I created a catalogue that would help organize 146 bound items from the RBML and guide faculty and students through the data. While it is designed to provide concise information, the individual condition surveys of each item can provide greater (or additional) detail. Condition work for special collections often go overlooked, but I was able to create a strong foundation for the recorded conditions of bound medieval manuscripts and incunabula in the RBML. I look forward to the hands-on conservation work that Harry Campbell has pre-approved for the manuscripts and incunabula that are in need of attention as part of my job as a student assistant technician in the Conservation Unit. I am hopeful that the condition and needs assessment survey I designed specifically for the RBML will become standard practice, and continue to be used to record physical aspects for future acquisitions, as well as provide an informative source for augmenting item records in the OSUL online catalog.

Student Assistant, The Ohio State University Libraries Conservation Unit

I am a fourth year undergraduate at The Ohio State University Columbus campus. I am majoring in Medieval and Renaissance Studies with a minor in English and Studio Art. I am a student assistant at The Ohio State University Conservation Unit where I work with Harry Campbell, the head... Read More →